Ruben Loftus-Cheek has taken giant strides since joining Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea
In his BBC Sport predictions column, Mark Lawrenson has warned Ruben Loftus-Cheek that “there is a long, long way to go” after the Crystal Palace loanee’s England debut.
The 21-year-old midfielder put in a starring turn in the 0-0 draw with Germany – his first appearance for the senior England side after an impressive start to the season with Palace.
Ex-Liverpool defender Lawrenson says too much should not be expected of Loftus-Cheek yet and that Eagles boss Roy Hodgson has an important job of keeping the youngster grounded.
Ahead of bottom-of-the-table Palace’s visit of Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, Lawrenson wrote for BBC Sport: “If he is fit, everyone will be looking to see how Ruben Loftus-Cheek plays for Crystal Palace after his performance on his England debut against Germany last week.
“Football is crazy sometimes – on the back of that friendly game, Loftus-Cheek is suddenly being seen by some people as potentially being England’s next superstar.
“He has lots of promise but I am sure Eagles boss Roy Hodgson has been telling him that these are just his baby steps, and there is a long, long way to go.”
According to the London Evening Standard, Loftus-Cheek is a doubt to face Everton with a back injury sustained in the first half of England’s friendly with Brazil this week.
The gifted youngster has started six of Palace’s league games this season, which is many as he has across three seasons at parent club Chelsea.
Loftus-Cheek is yet to score for the Eagles, and has two assists in eight matches so Lawrenson is right to urge caution about him being far from the finished product.
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